SOC*2760 - Homicide
Course Description
This course will review legal definitions of homicide, statistical trends in homicide-both in Canada and internationally-and theoretical explanations of homicide. The course will also examine the key criminological/ sociological empirical research studies on the various types of homicide, such as: femicide, familialcide, serial and mass murder.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the learner should be able to:
- Explain homicide using a sociological criminological framework, including why it is important to study this phenomenon;
- Describe the role the media plays in shaping our perceptions of homicide and who is involved, as well as the accuracy of these representations;
- Identify and describe available data sources used to study homicide and analyze their strengths and limitations;
- Identify, explain and assess major theories of homicide, and apply the theories to real-life scenarios;
- Differentiate among the many types of homicide, including the common characteristics of those involved and the circumstances surrounding the killing; and
- Describe and assess the criminal justice and community responses to homicide and evaluate the effectiveness in deterring, controlling and preventing homicide.
Course Topics
- Why Study Homicide?
- How Do We Study Homicide?
- What Do We Know about Homicide? Trends Over Time and Place
- Understanding Why Homicides Occur – Sociological Perspectives
- Multiple Homicides
- Homicides Among Friends, Acquaintances, and Strangers
- Children as Offenders and Victims of Homicide
- Intimate Partner Homicide
- Responses to Homicide
- Future Directions in Homicide Prevention
Additional Requirements
Prerequisite(s): 1 of ANTH*1150, FRHD*1010, PHIL*1010, POLS*1400, PSYC*1000, PSYC*1100, PSYC*1200, SOC*1100, SOC*1500
Restriction(s): This is a Priority Access Course. Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs or specializations. Please see the departmental website for more information.
Assessment
| Assessment Item | Weight | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Quizzes | 20% | 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Discussion Participation | 15% | 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Comparing Homicide Locally and Globally | 20% | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 |
| Representing Homicide: Fact or Fiction? | 20% | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 |
| Final Exam | 25% | |
| Total | 100% |
Technical Requirements
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*Course details are subject to change.